Rockefeller Center Tour
Our classic 75-minute walking tour explores the history, art, and architecture of Rockefeller Center, a landmarked campus across 3 city blocks in the heart of New York. A family-friendly tour is available on weekends.
Rockefeller Center Tour
Explore an Art Deco masterpiece.
The historian-guided Rockefeller Center Tour takes you from past to present, from John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s initial vision to its realization in the cultural center and National Historic Landmark of today. You’ll get an insider’s view of the incredible architecture, art, iconic buildings, outdoor gardens, and spaces found throughout Rockefeller Center.
The Rockefeller Center Tour Jr. offers a guided experience of the sights and stories of Rockefeller Center for the whole family. On tour together with two guides, children (recommended ages 6-12) will enjoy an interactive adventure full of discovery while their accompanying adults learn about the rich history and architecture of the 12-acre campus.
Hours
Tours take place daily at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm.
Ticket Offerings
- Buy Tickets$27
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- Buy Tickets$56
![Man overlooking the city skyline from the observation deck]()
Rock Pass
Take the Rockefeller Center Tour, and learn about its incredible art and history, with a visit to all its major landmarks and artworks. Then visit Top of the Rock for the incredible 360-degree views of the NYC skyline. It's two one-of-a-kind Rockefeller Center experiences in one.
- Buy Tickets$225
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VIP Rock Pass
This 2-hour guided experience begins in our VIP Lounge and includes a tour to one of Rockefeller Center’s hidden rooftop gardens, plus a Champagne Toast and VIP access to Skylift and The Beam Experience at Top of the Rock
- BUY TICKETS$27
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Rockefeller Center Tour, Jr.
Designed for children ages 6-12, your little ones will take an interactive adventure learning the sights and stories of Rockefeller Center. Offered Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am.
On the Tour
History
Over 100 years ago, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had a vision to create a “city within a city,” and the story of how Rockefeller Center came to be is a fascinating one. Filled with art, style, and entertainment, it’s a story that is being added to every day.
1929
John D. Rockefeller Jr leases land from Columbia University. Rockefeller’s original vision was was to create a commercial office building community and a new home for the Metropolitan Opera Company. The stock market crash of 1929 thwarted these plans however, as investors withdrew from the project. A determined Rockefeller chose to move forward with the project, opting to create an exclusively commercial business complex.
1931
Construction begins on America's largest privately owned business and entertainment complex of the pre-war period. Throughout the Depression, the construction of the center provided jobs for tens of thousands of laborers and helped boost the building industry in New York City. The fourteen original buildings and their accompanying attractions were completed in 1940.
1932
Center Theatre opens. Originally called the RKO Roxy Theatre when it opened, the Center Theatre featured both live stage shows and screened films. During the height of its popularity in the 1940s, its understated Art Deco–inspired design stood in stark contrast to the lavish Radio City Music Hall nearby. It is the only building from the original Rockefeller Center plan that has been torn down.
1938
Associated Press Building Completed. Soaring above the entrance to the Associated Press Building is Isamu Noguchi’s News, the first heroic-sized sculpture ever cast in stainless steel.
Art
Rockefeller Center is home to a remarkable collection of art deco motifs and sculptures signifying man’s development in spirit, science, industry and more. You’ll see the Center’s most famous artworks, including Four Periods in Italian History, Atlas, Intelligence Awakening Mankind, Prometheus, Sound and Light, and The Joy of Life and many others. And along the way, you’ll learn about how Rockefeller’s vision to create a cultural center was ultimately realized.
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller was a visionary art collector and patron who not only played a decisive role in making Rockefeller Center a haven for public art, but who also co-founded MoMA in 1929 with two other women, Lillie Bliss and May Quinn Sullivan.
Architecture
You’ll learn about the conception and design of Rockefeller Center, the National Landmark and Art-Deco marvel, that has been referred to as a "city-within-a-city." This visionary center combines private with public, and design with a community purpose. The Center was designed by a team of renowned architects, headed by the most celebrated architect of the decade, Raymond Hood, of Hood, Godley & Fouilhoux.
Gertrude Stein once said that the view of Rockefeller Center from Fifth Avenue was “the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”
Points of Interest
On your tour you’ll see Rockefeller Center’s most significant buildings, gardens, and spaces. Some highlights are stops at the Associated Press Building and where the TODAY Show is filmed. Make sure you bring some comfortable shoes, there’s a lot to see.
The aptly named Channel Gardens sits between the French and British Empire buildings on Fifth Avenue.
Rockefeller Center Tour FAQs
What will I see on the tour? What is covered? Will I see buildings, murals, statues, etc. on the tour?A guide will lead your group through the buildings, streets, and landmarks of Rockefeller Center, focusing on the art and architecture found here. Featuring prominently in the tour are stops at original installations by world-renowned artists, such as:
• Famous sculptures by Isamu Noguchi, Michio Ihara, and Paul Manship, including the iconic Prometheus statue
• Impressive murals by Jose Maria Sert and Sir Frank Brangwyn
• Historic works by Lee Lawrie, Gaston Lachaise, Attilio Piccirilli, and Leo Lentelli
Your group will also be taken through the Channel Gardens and the world-famous skating rink (open seasonally). Several buildings acknowledged as art deco masterpieces will also be visited, including the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
A guide will lead your group through the buildings, streets, and landmarks of Rockefeller Center, focusing on the art and architecture found here. Featuring prominently in the tour are stops at original installations by world-renowned artists, such as:
• Famous sculptures by Isamu Noguchi, Michio Ihara, and Paul Manship, including the iconic Prometheus statue
• Impressive murals by Jose Maria Sert and Sir Frank Brangwyn
• Historic works by Lee Lawrie, Gaston Lachaise, Attilio Piccirilli, and Leo Lentelli
Your group will also be taken through the Channel Gardens and the world-famous skating rink (open seasonally). Several buildings acknowledged as art deco masterpieces will also be visited, including the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Is the tour only conducted in English?Tour guides only speak English on the tour. However, if you have a group, it may be possible to arrange for a translator. Please contact our Group Sales department at 212-698-2000 for information.
Tour guides only speak English on the tour. However, if you have a group, it may be possible to arrange for a translator. Please contact our Group Sales department at 212-698-2000 for information.
Does this tour include NBC Studios or Radio City Music Hall?Both NBC Studios and Radio City Music Hall offer their own tours. These venues are not a part of the Rockefeller Center tour.
Both NBC Studios and Radio City Music Hall offer their own tours. These venues are not a part of the Rockefeller Center tour.
When are the tours scheduled?Tours take place daily at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm.
The Rockefeller Center Tour Jr. takes place daily at 10:30 am.
Tours take place daily at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm.
The Rockefeller Center Tour Jr. takes place daily at 10:30 am.
Can this tour be combined with other Rockefeller Center attractions?Yes. The Rock Pass combines this tour with a visit to Top of the Rock observation deck atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Most guests take the tour first and visit Top of the Rock second.
Yes. The Rock Pass combines this tour with a visit to Top of the Rock observation deck atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Most guests take the tour first and visit Top of the Rock second.
Is it possible to sit during the tour?Unfortunately, no. This is a walking tour that covers many points of interest, consequently the schedule does not allow for rest periods.
Unfortunately, no. This is a walking tour that covers many points of interest, consequently the schedule does not allow for rest periods.
Is the tour suitable for people with disabilities?While the tour is wheelchair accessible, if you have difficulty standing or walking for extended periods of time then it may not be suitable.
While the tour is wheelchair accessible, if you have difficulty standing or walking for extended periods of time then it may not be suitable.
What is the length of the tour?Each tour is about 1 hour and 15 minutes long.
Each tour is about 1 hour and 15 minutes long.
Is there a maximum number of people that can take the tour?Three groups can take the tour at a time, with up to 20 people per group––a 60 person maximum.
Three groups can take the tour at a time, with up to 20 people per group––a 60 person maximum.
Are young children allowed on the tour? If so, are strollers welcome?Yes, children and strollers are both allowed on the tour. However the focus of the tour, with its historical context, is geared to adults. Consequently, young children may not understand much of the tour’s subject matter.
Yes, children and strollers are both allowed on the tour. However the focus of the tour, with its historical context, is geared to adults. Consequently, young children may not understand much of the tour’s subject matter.
Do tours take place rain or shine?Yes. If the weather makes it difficult to conduct the tour outside, your guide may choose to focus on interior artworks and points of interest. Moving from building to building will require being outside, however, so dress accordingly. Also, keep an umbrella handy as they will not be available from the guide.
Yes. If the weather makes it difficult to conduct the tour outside, your guide may choose to focus on interior artworks and points of interest. Moving from building to building will require being outside, however, so dress accordingly. Also, keep an umbrella handy as they will not be available from the guide.
Will audio equipment be available to use throughout the tour?Yes. We realize hearing a tour guide over the hustle and bustle of New York can be a challenge, so we hand out closed circuit headsets that provide a clear, uninterrupted listening experience.
Yes. We realize hearing a tour guide over the hustle and bustle of New York can be a challenge, so we hand out closed circuit headsets that provide a clear, uninterrupted listening experience.
Hours
Tours take place daily at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm.
Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock – 70 floors up, 3 decks, 360-degree must see views, and a city that’s all yours.
